hi, i am just about to start a forum, that is about warcraft3 maps development and discussion and bugs report, appox 500+ members. but i am not sure the difference between phpbb and invison power board, any information about that would be extre me useful here.

i prefer phpBB but for no real reason other than i'm using it for my forums at the minute

i prefer phpbb forums too and i'm using one right now...

I can admit that i've never tried invision boards so i cant really make a fair comparisation. I do know that i like them both.. though i think phpbb forums are more fast and simple, so it's easier to use

That's just my opinion though.

I used phpBB.. so, i voted and recommanded it.
what is good about? well both ipb and phpbb have their own images. but ipb, there is no more free latest version avaliable for download (which is what trap17 forum using v.2.0.++). Trap17 host offered free version ipb v1.0 which you can find under cpanel > add on script, not under fantastico.
for phpBB, you can have it to run the lastest version 2.0.15 and there are nearly add on hacks like what ipb does which you can easily find over net.. some cool links for phpbb are MX system, php Hacks, phpBB official, itself and Przemo version. for the style, preview here and download here of your choice!!

other than that, use simple machine forum which you can find under fantastico. but SMF needs bigger load of your sever host space.
you thought all the things are so complicated, then use punBB, straight forward, light weight and fast.. you can find under add-on script.

i'm currently using mx-system(check my link below) which is good. i used Przemo version before and not bad but lot of hacks to handle
good luck..

I think you should use Invision Power Board and this is why:

1. Customizable, you can find skins easily

2. Addons, you can find stuff like a shoutbox or arcade

3. Powerful, you can subscribe to topics and stuff like that

4. Moderation and Admins, easy to manage your board

Those are my reasons I'm sure other people will agree with me.

phpBB is the way to go, its completeley free, easy to customise, tonnes of skins and mods available for it,
A good community if you need any help at all, people always willing to help you out. the admin area is quite complicated to use, but you will get used to iy after a good poke

phpBB is the best!!!! woo!

phpBB because I think its safer then IPB.. Also, i like the "feel" of phpbb too..

I think that if you have the money, go for IPB as it'll definitely attract more member and it has way more features.. Also try vBulletin where they have the finest professional board and their vBulletin 3.5 is coming out and they have real great features!!

If you can afford it, definitely go for IPB. I've had experience using both IPB and phpbb, and I like the IPB interface and features more. But if you're looking for a good and free forum, phpbb2 for the win. I've used a few other free forums, and nothing even comes close to phpbb. Both have a massive amount of skins and modifications. I've heard that vBulletin is also supposed to be pretty good as well.